On the Relationship Between Library Schools, Search Service Vendors, and Database Producers. Position Paper No. 2.

Mignon, Edmond, Ed.

Cooperative arrangements between search service vendors, database producers, and teachers of online searching would recognize the needs of the latter while benefiting each group. A representative of an official organization of faculty specializing in teaching online searching, would speak for the group in discussions with search services, database suppliers, and other training/educating organizations, providing a basis for communication and the exchange of ideas and materials. Special contracts for classroom instruction should continue to be encouraged. However, a closer relationship between educators and vendors would result in more flexible contract terms that would allow for mutual review and sharing of materials, as well as delineate current and future needs for online instruction, such as the liberalization of educational password application and increased hours of accessibility. Additional future needs would include: (1) streamlined introduction to search languages, (2) database oriented workbooks, (3) subject oriented workbooks, and (4) low-cost evaluative online self-instruction programs. Educators would serve vendors as resource persons in preparing instructional materials and presentations, reviewing search aids, testing user manuals and workbooks, and aiding in evaluative research studies. (CWM)